Flashback

Sofia’s Pov

I was working in my home office, the soft clacking of my keyboard the only sound in the quiet room. The documents scattered around my desk were proof of the hours I had spent focused, shutting out the outside world. Just as I was about to dive into another report, my phone buzzed, startling me. It was Jimin.

A sudden chill crawled down my spine. Why would he be calling me now

On the other side

Jimin is on the phone with Sofia, his voice tense as he relays the events of Jungkook's attack. Sofia, on the other end, listens intently, her concern growing with each word.

Jimin (seriously): "Jungkook was shot. The bullet’s been removed, but it was close. We got him back to the mansion in time."

Sofia (her voice tight with shock): "What? How did this happen? Is he... is he going to be okay?”

Jimin (softly): "He’ll be fine, but... we don’t know who’s behind it yet.

And the most important thing Ara, she saved him. She’s the reason Jungkook is alive right now."

There’s a brief silence on the line, as Sofia processes this information.

Sofia (her voice dropping, a chill running through her): "Ara? Ara saved Jungkook?”

The room felt like it was closing in. I couldn’t breathe. Jungkook…attacked? And Ara saved him .  My thoughts raced, imagining the worst.

“Where is she now?” I demanded, standing from my chair, my hands shaking as I grabbed my coat. “Is she safe?  And  who did it?”

“She is safe Sofia, she is here with us in our mansion .  Jimin said, his voice dropping lower.  “But we don’t know who’s behind it yet. It all happened so fast, and—” Ara is not in the situation to say anything .

“I’m coming over,” I cut him off, the urgency in my voice surprising even myself. “Jungkook needs us. And I need to see her and Jungkook ”

“Sofia, wait—” Jimin’s voice wavered. “It might not be safe. Whoever did this could still be out there, waiting for another chance. We need to be careful.”

“I don’t care,” I snapped, grabbing my keys. “I need to be there. If they’re targeting Jungkook, then none of us are safe. We need to stick together.”

Without further hesitation, Sofia rushes to Bangtan Mansion. When she arrives, her face shows a mixture of relief and apprehension. The moment she enters the living room, her eyes immediately lock on Ara, who is sitting quietly in the corner. A chill runs down her spine.

Sofia knows all too well how complicated this could become, especially if Aella were to find out that Ara was involved in saving Jungkook. The tension in the air thickens as Sofia takes a deep breath, steeling herself.

Present Time

The atmosphere in the room is tense as Namjoon and Haeseok work together to carefully remove the bullet lodged in Jungkook's leg. Sweat beads on their foreheads as they focus on the delicate task.

Jhope said in a low, calm voice, trying to stay composed "Hold on, Jungkook. We're almost there."

Jungkook grits his teeth, trying to suppress the pain, his breathing heavy and labored. Namjoon wipes the sweat from Jungkook's face before passing again he passes  the necessary tools.

You're doing great, Jungkook. Just a little longer." Said Namjoon .

After what feels like an eternity, Haeseok finally manages to extract the bullet. Blood continues to ooze, but he quickly attends to the wound, stitching it up with precision.

"Got it. The bullet's out. Now, let's get this cleaned up.”You’re going to be okay, but you need to rest for at least a week. Don’t push yourself." Said Jhope

Jungkook gives a faint nod, exhaustion taking over as the painkillers begin to take effect and he finally passes out .

Hyung , Jungkook , hold on to Joon. He is fine. It's the effect  of the painkiller that will gain his consciousness in the morning .

Meanwhile in the Living room

In the living room, the tension is palpable. Taehyung and Suga have already arrived, their faces hard with concern. Jin, Sofia  and Ara sit nearby, all equally worried. They exchange anxious glances, the silence almost deafening.

Jimin's voice tight with worry  "What’s taking so long? What if something goes wrong?"

Taehyung tries to remain calm, but his voice betrays his anxiety.  " Hyung knows what he’s doing. We have to trust him."

Ara holds her breath, her eyes wide with fear. Sofia places a reassuring hand on her shoulder, but she can’t hide her own concern.

The sound of a door opening causes everyone to look up. Namjoon and Jhope  enter the living room, their faces tired but relieved.

Jungkook’s going to be fine. We got the bullet out."

Relief floods the room, and everyone visibly relaxes. "But he needs to rest for at least a week. No exceptions." Said Jhope

Jimin exhales deeply, finally letting go of the breath he’d been holding. Taehyung nods, determination in his eyes.

We’ll make sure he gets the rest he needs. Thank you, Ara  Suga, who had been silent, finally speaks up, his voice low but grateful.  "You did good. We all owe you."

Sofia, Jimin, Taehyung, Suga, Namjoon, and J-Hope all looked towards  her. "I heard what happened. Jungkook’s lucky to be alive. But there’s something else we need to talk about."

Everyone turns to look at Sofia, sensing the seriousness in her tone.

Sofia glances at Ara, then back at the group, her voice low and firm  "Aella can’t know about this. If she finds out that Ara was the one who saved Jungkook, it’s going to be… messy. I don’t think anyone wants to see how that plays out.”

Jimin shifts uncomfortably, exchanging a glance with Taehyung. Taehyung crosses his arms, his expression unreadable but clearly processing Sofia’s request.

"Sofia, are you sure? Aella has a right to know. She’s Ara’s sister—" said Suga

No , Unni will be worried. Suddenly Ara said, cutting him off, her voice more urgent.  "I know princess," said Sofia "But trust me, Taehyung it’s better if she doesn’t find out. Not right now, at least. She won’t take it well, and the last thing we need is more chaos

Suga, standing quietly in the corner, finally speaks, his voice calm but thoughtful.

Suga: "Sofia has a point. Aella’s temper isn’t something we want flaring up in the middle of all this.

The air is thick with tension, and the group is seated in the living room. Taehyung stands with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze fixed on Ara, who sits nervously on the couch. Suga, Jimin, and Jin are also present, listening intently.

Taehyung's voice was cold, demanding  "Ara, I need you to tell me everything. Who was the guy that tried to kill Jungkook?"

Ara shifts uncomfortably, her hands fidgeting in her lap. She swallows hard, knowing the weight of her words.

"His name was Kris. I don’t know much about him, but he was the one who tried to shoot Jungkook." Suga narrows his eyes, leaning forward in his seat.

Suga (his voice low, calculating): "Kris... did he say anything? Why Jungkook?

Ara hesitates for a moment, her eyes flicking between them before she gathers her courage.

"He said… 'He wanted you dead, Jeon.' But he didn’t say who sent him.

Taehyung’s eyes darken, his jaw tightening as the information sinks in. He glances over at Jimin, who’s silently processing what he just heard. Jimin's fists clench, but he stays quiet, letting Taehyung handle the questioning.

Did you hear anything else? See anything that could help us?"

Ara shakes her head, her voice small but firm.

Ara: "No. He didn’t say much, but… the way he looked at Jungkook, it was personal. He wasn’t just following orders. There was hate in his eyes.”

Jin, who has been quietly watching, finally speaks, his voice calm but edged with concern. It means someone out there sees him as a threat. Someone with a lot of power.

"Suga stands, his expression as hard as stone, and paces the room.
Whoever this Kris is, I think he is just a prawn . We have to find out who is the one who actually sent him .

Jimin finally speaks, his voice a quiet storm  "We’ll make sure they regret even thinking about touching Jungkook."

Taehyung’s gaze stays locked on Ara, his expression unreadable, but his tone softens slightly.  "Thank you, Ara. You did the right thing telling us. We’ll take it from here." Ara nods, still shaken but relieved to have shared what she knows. The room falls into silence again, each of them contemplating the next move .

We already have Kris to deal with." Said Sofia  Namjoon nods in agreement, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously.

The room finally settles, the tension easing as the immediate crisis passes. But the weight of what just happened lingers in the air, a reminder of the dangerous world they live in.

Namjoon, who had been silent so far, finally speaks, his tone thoughtful but decisive. "Alright. We won’t say anything to Aella for now. But this secret can’t stay hidden forever. She’ll need to know eventually."

Sofia nods, relieved that they understand the gravity of the situation. I think Me Jimin and Yoongi should handle this. I'll make sure Kris is being watched closely. Yoongi and you and Jimin find out who the other one is. We need to find out who sent him and why. I’ll stay on top of it.”

Taehyung, his face hard, looks at Sofia with a nod of acknowledgment.  "We’ll trust you on this, Sofia. We need answers fast. Jungkook’s safety comes first."

The group falls silent, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. Sofia’s gaze lingers on Ara for a moment longer before she turns back to the others.  "I’ll keep an eye on him. Whoever’s behind this... they’ll pay.”

I'm  holding off telling Aella for now. But make sure Kris doesn’t slip away. We can’t afford any more surprises."

Okay I think we should leave now let's go princess before Sofia could speak further

Ara stands in front of Taehyung, her eyes filled with a mixture of worry and hope. The atmosphere is heavy with uncertainty, the tension almost tangible. Taehyung, hands in his pockets, his face unreadable, glances at Ara as she hesitantly makes her request.

"Mr Kim , when Sir  regains consciousness... can I... can I be there to see him off?"

Her voice trembles slightly, but her eyes remain steady, full of determination and emotion. There is a long, uncomfortable silence. Taehyung's gaze flickers, his jaw tightening as he contemplates the situation. He understands her feelings but also knows the gravity of the moment.

For a few heartbeats, it feels like no one is breathing. Just as Taehyung opens his mouth to respond, Jin, standing a few steps away, steps forward, breaking the silence.

Just as Taehyung opens his mouth to respond, Jin, standing a few steps away, steps forward, breaking the silence.

"Ara, we'll let you know when Jungkook wakes up. You'll be able to come and see him then." Ara looks from Taehyung to Jin, relief and gratitude washing over her features. She nods, her shoulders relaxing slightly she said Thank you, Oppa

Jin gives her a reassuring smile,

The room falls into a contemplative silence. They know this is only a temporary solution, but for now, Sofia’s plan is their best shot at protecting Ara  and avoiding unnecessary chaos. As both of them  turn to leave, Taehyung gives her a sharp nod of approval.

I'm  holding off telling Aella for now. But make sure Kris doesn’t slip away. We can’t afford any more surprises.”

Sofia gives one final nod before heading out, ready to dig deeper into Kris and the threat looming over them when they get out of the mansion.

End of POV 

Ara and Sofia’s

The road was quiet as Sofia drove back to the mansion, her fingers gripping the steering wheel a bit tighter than usual. Ara sat in the passenger seat, her gaze fixed on the passing trees, lost in thought about the recent attack.

Are you sure we shouldn’t tell Aella about the attack?" Ara asked, her voice laced with worry.

Sofia exhaled deeply. "It’s better if she doesn’t find out. You know how protective Aella is of you, Ara. If she finds out Jungkook was involved... it’ll only make things worse. For everyone."

Ara nodded but still seemed uneasy. "But what if she finds out from someone else? It could cause even more problems.”

"But what if she finds out from someone else? It could cause even more problems."

Sofia glanced at her, her expression softening. "I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen. Trust me, Ara, it’s better this way. We just need to be careful, especially around your dad”

The mention of Haesung's name made Ara’s stomach knot. She hadn’t even thought about how he might react if he found out. It wasn’t just Aella they needed to worry about.

As they pulled up to the mansion, Ara sighed in relief, but the moment they stepped inside, both women froze.

Haesung was sitting in the living room, casually flipping through a book, but his eyes were sharp when they landed on Sofia and Ara. His smile was calm, but there was a hint of curiosity in his voice.

“Where did you two disappear all of a sudden?” Haesung asked, closing the book and standing up. "I thought you were both in your rooms.”

Sofia quickly composed herself, flashing a light smile. “Oh, we were just feeling a bit bored and decided to go out for some fresh air. Nothing serious, just went to a restaurant to hang out."

Ara stood beside Sofia, her heart racing, but she forced a nod. "Yeah, we just needed a little break."

Haesung studied them for a moment, his gaze lingering on Ara, but then his smile returned, warmer this time.

Well, next time, don’t sneak off like that. I almost thought you two were planning something."

Sofia chuckled nervously, shifting slightly. "Of course not. Just girl time."

"Good," Haesung said, leaning back into the couch with an amused grin.

Well, I hope you had a good time. It's late now, though, you should both get some rest.”

Ara forced a smile, still shaken by the events of the night, but grateful for Sofia’s quick thinking. "We will. Thanks, dad ," she mumbled, and with a glance at Sofia, she headed toward the stairs.

Sofia lingered for a second, her eyes meeting Haesung’s briefly, before she followed Ara. As they ascended the stairs, Ara whispered, "Do you think he suspects anything?"

Sofia shook her head, her voice low. "No, we’re safe. For now.”

As they reached their rooms, the tension from the night still lingered, but they knew they had to bury it—for the sake of Aella, Ara, and the fragile peace that could shatter at any moment.

End of POV

Meanwhile in the Bangtan mansion

The room is dimly lit, with the soft hum of machines beeping. Jungkook lies unconscious in bed, his face pale but peaceful. Taehyung and Yoongi are sitting silently on the couch, their expressions serious, with occasional glances toward Jungkook. A quiet tension lingers in the air.

Namjoon enters the room with Jin and J-Hope, their footsteps soft yet purposeful
clearing his throat he said

"Taehyung, Yoongi, you should get back to your ladies.  Layla must be worried and Aella will also suspect us if Taehyung is not there .”

Taehyung, staring at Jungkook's face, doesn’t respond immediately, his jaw clenched in frustration. Yoongi shifts in his seat, but his eyes remain on Jungkook.

"I’m not leaving until he wakes up." Said Yoongi

Taehyung sighing, rubbing his face tiredly
"Neither am I. Not until I know he’s okay."

Listen to both men's Jin stepped forward, voice softer but persuasive
"Look, I get it. We’re all worried, but staying here won’t change anything. I’ll stay with him. The second he wakes up, I’ll let you know."

Taehyung exhales heavily, still torn. J-Hope walks over and places a reassuring hand on Taehyung’s shoulder.

"You’ve been here for hours. Aella and Layla need you too. They’re part of this, remember?"

Taehyung finally looks up at Jin, his eyes serious but understanding.

"You’ll call me the moment he opens his eyes, right?"  Jin nodded his head and firmly said

"I promise."

Yoongi  stands up slowly, his gaze still lingering on Jungkook’s face. There’s a silent struggle in his eyes before he finally nods at Namjoon.

"He better have a good explanation for this." Said Yoongi  With one last look at Jungkook, Taehyung and Yoongi head for the door. Jin watches them leave, a heavy weight still hanging in the air.

Jin (to Namjoon and J-Hope, standing beside the bed):
I ’ll wait... and hope for the best." Said Jhope that Jin and Namjoon both got out of the room too  he  stood in silence as the door closed behind Jin  and Namjoon,  the room once again filled with the quiet rhythm of the machines keeping time until Jungkook  Wakes .

Meanwhile in the Living room

In the dimly lit Bangtan Mansion, the tension in the air was palpable. The heavy sound of Haesung's boots against the wooden floor echoed through the hall as he walked into the spacious living room. His eyes scanned the room, his jaw clenched, and his brow furrowed in disappointment. He stopped in the middle of the room, watching as Taehyung and Yoongi were preparing to leave.

Taehyung, already gripping his jacket, paused and turned around, his eyes narrowing when he saw Haesung standing there. Yoongi, who had been loading his gun with practiced ease, glanced up, his hands stilling when he caught sight of the older man.

They hadn’t expected Haesung would  show  such blatant disappointment .

The large clock on the wall ticked loudly in the stillness. The air in the Bangtan Mansion was tense, as if waiting for a storm to break .  His presence alone was enough to stop them in their tracks

Haesung’s voice broke the silence, sharp and filled with frustration his voice was low but filled with authority. "What the hell is going on?"

At the sound of his voice, Namjoon, Jin, and J-Hope appeared in the doorway, concern etched across their faces.
They had felt something was wrong from the moment they heard Haesung had arrived unannounced.

Haesung’s eyes swept the room, his gaze resting on Namjoon. The weight of disappointment in his voice was palpable. "You scolded Jungkook for his mistake, Namjoon, but where were you when he needed you the most?"

Namjoon’s brows furrowed, guilt flashing across his face. He stood straighter, though, as if bracing himself. "I didn’t know things would escalate like this, dad ”

"Didn’t know?" Haesung scoffed, taking a step closer. "One of your own was attacked by Krish because you let your emotions cloud your judgment. Jungkook might’ve slipped, but instead of guiding him, you turned your back on him when he needed you the most."

Namjoon’s jaw clenched, but before he could respond, Haesung continued, his voice like ice. "Do you understand the gravity of this? Krish attacked Jungkook because you left him vulnerable emotionally and physically.”

Jin, who had been standing silently, finally spoke, his voice calm but tense. "Jungkook made a mistake, Haesung.

He let his emotions take over when it came to Aella, but—"

Haesung cut him off, his eyes narrowing.

"And you all  think scolding him was the solution?

No , I don't think so, Jimin entered the living room. I understand Jungkook’s not bad; he acted on emotion, something we all do.

But that’s not a reason to leave him unprotected, especially not when Krish is involved."

J-Hope, his usual energy subdued, nodded in agreement, his voice soft but sincere.  “I think Namjoon  should have been there for him. He was too focused on his mistake, not realizing how vulnerable it made him."

Haesung turned to J-Hope, his gaze softening slightly. "Exactly. Jungkook doesn’t need punishment right now—he needs support. He’s already feeling guilty enough, and Krish took advantage of that."

Taehyung, his face a mask of anger, finally spoke up. "And now we’re going to make Krish pay for it."

But Haesung shook his head, his voice firm. "No, Taehyung. You’re not going after Krish. I am said Jimin

Haesung raised an eyebrow, surprised. "You’re going to handle it yourself?"

No, Me Yoongi and Sofia will handle this issue .  but we decided for now that we wouldn't tell anything to Aella . Because  he took a pause and looked towards Taehyung .

Taehyung and Jimin  exchanged a glance, knowing that this wasn’t just about vengeance—it was about family.

Haesung looked at Jimin, his expression hardening as Jimin finishes telling him the truth about Ara’s encounter with Kris. The tension in the room is palpable, with Jimin standing nearby, watching Haesung closely.

Haesung in a low, firm voice said
"Ara... saved Jungkook from Kris?"

Jimin nodded his voice steady but respectful  "Yes, dad She stepped in when no one else could. But Sofia asked me to keep it quiet, especially from Aella.”

Haesung’s eyes flickered with resolve. "Yes. I trust Jungkook. He’s not some reckless kid. He just slipped, and it cost him. But this isn’t just about him anymore—it’s about all of us. And I won’t let anyone tear us apart from the inside."

Namjoon, guilt heavy in his chest, stepped forward. "We should have seen it coming. We should have been there for him."

Haesung gave him a hard look. "You should have. But now, it’s time to fix it   don’t forget  you all  need to earn Jungkook’s trust back. The next time you face him, don’t be his leader—be his brother."

Haesung stopped, his gaze softening slightly. "I’m not saying Jungkook wasn’t wrong, but he’s not beyond redemption. He slipped because of his emotions. He was confused, overwhelmed, and yes, he hurt sweetheart . But what did you expect? He’s young. He’s still learning. The one thing he needed was guidance, not judgment.

And you—" He pointed directly at Namjoon. "You should’ve been the one to give him that.”

A heavy silence fell over the room, the weight of Haesung’s words settling in. Taehyung and Yoongi exchanged a glance, knowing that this wasn’t just about vengeance—it was about family.

Dad, about Jungkook's attack, we decided we will not tell anything to Aella  for now,  because he took a pause and looked towards Taehyung .

Taehyung and Jimin  exchanged a glance, knowing that this wasn’t just about vengeance—it was about family.

Haesung looked at Jimin, his expression hardening as Jimin finishes telling him the truth about Ara’s encounter with Kris. The tension in the room is palpable, with Jimin standing nearby, watching Haesung closely.

Haesung in a low, firm voice said
"Ara... saved Jungkook from Kris?"

Jimin nodded his voice steady but respectful  "Yes, dad She stepped in when no one else could. But Sofia asked me to keep it quiet, especially from Aella.”

"We  wanted to tell you sooner, but Jungkook... he didn’t want her dragged into this mess."

Haesung pinches his nose with his  fingers tapping lightly,  his expression is unreadable, but there's a flicker of anger in his eyes, not towards Ara, but towards the situation she had been pulled into.

"You did the right thing by telling me. But not a word of this to sweetheart Not before the engagement.”

He glances at Haesung, trying to gauge his mood. Haesung stands abruptly, causing everyone to look up at him.

"Taehyung and Sweetheart's engagement will happen in one week. Nothing can interfere with that. Not this, not anything."

He turns towards the door, his presence commanding respect as he walks with confidence. Before leaving, he pauses, glancing over his shoulder.

"If anyone lets this slip before the engagement, it'll be trouble , I will make sure that sweetheart doesn't get to know about it. I will deal with it."

With that, Haesung exits the room, leaving the members to exchange uneasy glances. Taehyung looks at Jimin, his mind racing, while Jungkook remains silent, guilt written all over his face.

Things just got a lot more complicated."

The room remains silent as the weight of Haesung's words hangs heavy in the air.

Suddenly a maid came to the living room
Young master gained his consciousness , hearing that they all rushed towards Jungkook's room .

To be continued …